Harboursandport.com: Apapa, Lagos – August 20, 2025: The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to staying ahead of smugglers through intelligence-led operations and uncompromising enforcement.
Babatunde Olomu, made this declaration during a strategic engagement with Martin Iluyomade, Director of Inspection and Enforcement at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC on Monday, August 18.
Speaking at the Apapa Command headquarters, Comptroller Olomu emphasized that renewed tactics by smugglers—such as using fake registration numbers and false declarations—have consistently failed due to the Command’s vigilance and proactive measures.
“We will always be ahead of smugglers. Our officers are committed to zero tolerance for smuggling and will do everything necessary to prevent dangerous items from entering the country,” Olomu stated.
He highlighted the Command’s dedication to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Director-General of NAFDAC, aimed at curbing the importation of fake drugs, substandard food, and other prohibited items.
Olomu urged NAFDAC to expedite the evacuation of containers already handed over by Customs, assuring that suspects linked to seizures would be arrested and handed over alongside the contraband. He stressed that dismantling the human element in the smuggling supply chain is key to deterring future violations.
“Our laws must not be circumvented. The lives of Nigerians depend on the integrity of what they eat, drink, and use,” he added.
Referencing a recent seizure of 32 containers, which was personally supervised by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Olomu said the operation demonstrated the strong working relationship between Customs and NAFDAC and validated the MoU between both agencies.
In response, Iluyomade commended the Apapa Command for its uncompromising stance and described the seizures as “life-saving.”
“You can kill one or two people with guns, but fake drugs and unwholesome food can wipe out an entire nation. Those importing such items are declaring war on Nigerians,” Iluyomade said.
He praised Olomu as the best Controller Apapa Command has ever had and noted that the awards recently conferred on the Command were well-deserved. Iluyomade also called for enhanced security around containers awaiting NAFDAC evacuation to prevent pilfering.
The visit underscores the growing synergy between Customs and regulatory agencies in safeguarding public health and national security.
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